Fan apparatus



Nov. 28, 1939. s. F. SHAWHAN FAN APPARATUS Filed June 4, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 .INVENTOR. JAM/F JHAWHAN fife ATTORNEY/8.

Nov, 221 1939.

S. F. SHAWHAN FAN APPARATUS Filed June 4, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet'2 INVENTOR. 527M F SHAW/MN A TTORNEY 15 Another object of the fan structure which is simple in design and prac- Patented Nov. 28, 1939 Sam F. Shawhan, Syracuse, N. Y., Carrier Corporation, Syracuse, N.

poration of Delaware assignor to Y., a cor- Application June 4, 1938, Serial No. 211,795

4 Claims. I (Cl. 230-414) This invention relates to air circulating apparatus, and more particularly to blower apparatus of the housed or centrifugal type.

The general object ofthe present invention is to provide an improved blower apparatus which is considerably 3 more quiet in operation than apparatus' of the-same'g'eneral class heretofore available, and which requires less power than such apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fan unit embodying novel means for insuring relatively quiet operation of the unit, and for appreciably reducing the required power input to such unit. I

invention is to provide a tically no more expensive to build than conventional fan structures, but which affords marked operating advantages and economies.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fan unit comprising one or more centrifugal fans with means for reducing the operating noise level and increasing the operating efficiency of isuchunit. Y

Broadly, the invention contemplates reducing the loss which usually occurs as the air to be circulated enters the fan intakes. The eddying and similar actions which occur at such points result in a major portion of the noise generated requires a corresponding increase in the power supplied fordrivlng the fan.

A feature of the present invention resides in substantially reducing such losses, by directing the air delivered to the inlet openings of the fans in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the fan rotors. Thus the air is intaken within the fans with a minimum of power loss and noise. Y Another feature of the invention resides in providing a. casing having one or more centrifugal fans therein, each of said fans having single or double inlet openings, means for delivering air to the casing interior, and means within said casing for routing said air,1before it is delivered ing to the direction of rotation of the rotors of said fans, so that the air enters the fans smoothly,

easily and with relatively little noise, by avoid- 50 ing sudden change in the direction of now of air entering the fan inlets.

Still another feature of the invention resides in delivering air to a. casing having one or more by operation of the fan, and the energy thus lost to said inlet openings, in a direction correspondmotion in the same direction as, that in which the rotors of said fans are rotated.

Another feature of the'invention resides in carrying out the operation set forth in the preceding paragraph by' the provision of suitably 5 designed air-directing bailles positioned within said casing.

Other objects and features of the invention will be more clearly apparent from the following description, to be read in connection with the ac- 10 centrifugal fans therein, and imparting to said air. before it is delivered to said fans, a rotary companying drawings, in which Fig. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a sectional view of an improved fan apparatus embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a front ele- 15 vational view of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 diagrammatically illustrates,- in a view similar to that of Fig. 1, an alternative form of the invention;

. Fig. 4 is a. view similar-to that of Fig. 3, illus- 20 trating another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 diagrammatically illustrates another alternative embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 diagrammatically represents an embodiment of the invention in which adjustable baffles 25 are employed; and

Fig. '1 diagrammatically represents another alternative form of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, similar designations referring to the same or similar parts, the numeral l0 designates a casing housing one or more fans of the centrifugal type. As illustrated, casing l0 contains two fans of this type,

each comprising arotor II and a conventional I l are preferably 35 II. The rotors discharge scroll by a common shaft l3,

mounted upon and driven suitably journalled as at 14, and actuated by any suitable driving means. As illustrated, motor l5 drives shaft l3 through belt l6.

In the embodiment of'the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2', air is delivered to the casing l0 through one or more inlet openings l8 formed in the rear wall thereof. Preferably, inlet openin 3 l8 is'provided with a'flange 19, to facilitate the connection of casing III to a duct or the like (not shown) which may be used for supplying air to r ,the unit. Similarly,

the casing is provided with outlet openings 20, one of such openings being provided in registry with the outlet end of each fan discharge scroll l2. Outlet openings 20 are preferably provided with flanges 2|, similar to flanges IQ, for the connection of suitable air discharge ducts.

, Each fan scroll I2 is provided with inlet openings", through which air enters to the fan rotors the inlet opening l9 and extending lengthwise substantially throughout the length of casing l0.

Baille 23 slopes downwardly, and extends to apoint at or proximate the scroll 12. The efiect of baflle 23 is to route air intaken through inlet l9 downwardly within casing III in the direction indicated by arrows 24. This tends to establish a Y rotary circulation of airin casing ID in the same direction as that in which rotors ,II are rotated. Accordingly, the air intaken within the openings 22 from this rotary circulation passes into the fan rotor without any sudden change in direction and with a minimum of shock, energy loss and noise. Further to facilitate the rotary circulation of air within the casing l0,there may be provided baflle 25, preferably extending throughout the length of casing l0. Baille 25 extends upwardly and to the right from a point at the bottom of the casing l0 and between the front and rear thereof. Provision of bafile 25 serves to eliminate eddying in the lower front corner of .casing l0, and hence while this baflie is not indispensable, it is preferably provided.

In Fig. 3 is illustrated a modification of the invention in which an alternative baflle formation is utilized, the structure of Fig. 3 and Fig. 2 being otherwise substantially the same. In Fig. 3, baflle member 26, extending substantially completely throughout the length of casing I0, and extending downwardly from the top of casing l0, roughly approximates in shape the outline of the fan scroll l2. As in the case of baflle 23 of Fig. 1, bafile 26 deflects downwardly the air entering the casing l0 and thus initiates a rotary circulation of air within the casing in the same direction as that of the rotors l I. The'baflle 26 preferably extends downwardly to a point proximate the center of the fan inlet openings 22, but the baflle may be somewhat shallower than this if desired, since the vent any appreciable quantity of air from enter- 'ing the upper portion of the inlet openings in a direction counter to that of the fan rotors ll It will be understood that the invention is not limited to any particularshape or depth of baflle, and that any bafile positioned in the path of air intaken within the casing and servingto prevent the direct entry of air into the fan rotors in a direction counter thereto and also serving to initiate a circulation of intaken air in the same direction as that of the fan rotors, is within the purview of the invention. v

In Fig. 4 is illustrated a fan structure in which the air inlet, here designated He, is provided at the bottom, rather than at the rear of casing '10 the casing l0. Bafile '21 extends upwardly and to the front from the rear end of inlet opening l8a, and is preferably concavely curved. .Baflle 21 prevents air from directly entering the rearward portion of the openings 22 in a direction counter to that taken by the blades of rotor II, and causes such air as enters the .casing I0 to be circulated in a rotary motion before it is admittectto the fan and is preferably provided with inlet openings. Battle 25 is shown, but as set,

the top thereof. In this case the'rotor Ha is rotated in clockwise direction within scroll l2a. To accomplish the aims hereinbefore explained, there is provided a baflle 28, extending substantially completely throughout the length of easing l0, and extending upwardly and toward the front of the casing from the bottom of inlet opening l8.

'Baflle 28 corresponds in all substantial respects to baflles 23, 26 and 21, of the preceding figures. Further to this end, there may be provided, if desired, an auxiliary baiile 29, corresponding to baille 25. As explained in connection with'baflle 25, baffle 29 may be dispensed with if desired.

Fig. 6 illustrates an arrangement in which casing 30, containing fan scroll |2a and fan rotor I I a rotating in clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow, is provided with an air inlet opening 3| in one side thereof and another air inlet opening 32 in the opposite side thereof. At the inlet opening 3| and extending within the casing are a plurality of stationary bafiles 33 adapted to deflect upwardly within the casing 30 air received through the air inlet 3|. Pivoted at a point below the baffles 33, as at 34, is a baffle 35 having a flanged end por ion 36. When damper 35 is in the position indicat d, air intaken within the casing is routed in the direction indicated by the arrows If it is desired completely to stop air flow through inlet 3| the damper 35 may be swung so that its flanged portion 36 overlies flange member 31 extending from the side of the casing 30 just above the air inlet 3| The volume of air admitted through air inlet 32 may be controlled as by damper 38 pivoted at a point proximate the bottom of air inlet 32, as indicated at 39. When the damper is in relatively open position it will be seen that; the air intaken through inlet 32 flows in the desired direction, as may be further insured by the provision of stationary louvers 40. When the damper 38 is swung upwardly somewhat to restrict air flow through inlet 32, the tendency is for the air to shoot upwardly within the casing, and to overcome this tendency, in order to provide the desired rotary circulation in the same direction as that ofthe rotor, there may be provided a baflle 4|.Thus, although the proportions of air intaken through inlets 3land 32 may be varied at will, by adjusting the positions of the dampers 35 and 38 in any desired manner, the desired rotary circulation of air within the casing is maintained at all times.

Fig. 7 illustrates an alternative arrangement in which casing 42 contains a scroll l2b and a rotor I lb rotated in clockwise direction. The casing 42 is provided with a discharge opening 20b in registry with the discharge scroll l2b. An air inlet opening l8b is formed in the bottom of the casing a flange l9b for connection of a suitable duct thereto. Proximate the right-hand side of the casing and at a level proximate or below that of the fan scroll, there is provided a baflle 43 extending downwardly toward. the left-hand portion of the casing. Bailie 43 has the effect of routing air intaken through the right-hand portion of inlet l8b inthe direction indicated by the arrows. Baiile 43 thus prevents entry of air from the, inlet [8b to the inlet of fan rotor I lb in a direction counter to the rotational direction of rotor lib. Hallie-43 initiates rotary circulation of air within the casing 42 which enables such airto be intaken within the fan quietly and with little power loss. Baiiie 43 may be curved somewhat as indicated. It is preferred to make the baffle 43 of substantial width, in order to utilize fully the advantages of such an arrangement. Although a short baiile does not physically separate the entire right-hand portion of the fan inlet from the air inlet I8b, the deflection of air caused by the baffle is siifificient to initiate the rotary circulation of air within the casing 42 and thus to provide the desired results.

In the interests of conciseness and brevity, the

drawings and description have been limited to certain illustrative forms of the invention, which is to be understood as embracing various embodiments not specifically illustrated or described. For example, the arrangement of Fig. 1 might be modified by a' reversal of various elements thereof. Thus, the air inlet to the casing, instead of being in the rear of the casing might be formed at the front thereof and the fan might be similarly turned about so that the discharge outlet is toward the rear of the casing rather than toward the front thereof, the direction of rotation of the rotor in such case then being- The clockwise rather than counterclockwise. baflle 23 would then be positioned at the front .of the casing sloping downwardly and toward the rear thereof. Such rearrangement of the parts constitutes a mere reversal however. such arrangement being substantially the same as that illustrated in Fig. '1. The arrangements of the other figures might similarly be reversed.

Preferably, the various baflies which have been described extend substantially completely and continuously throughout the length of the casing. Since these and many other changes may be made in the invention without departing from its scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accom- P ying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense, applicant limiting'himself only as indicated in the appended claims.

I claim: I v

1. In an apparatus of the character described, including a casing having blower means of the centrifugal type disposedtherein, an air inlet formed in said casing, guide vane means-disposed proximate said inlet opening and adapted 'to direct air intaken within said opening in a direction concurrent with the direction of rotation of said blower means, and an adjustable bame positioned proximate the discharge end of said vane means and adapted to overlie the ends of said vane means and provided with a flangelike extension adapted toinitiate rotary circulation within said casing of air discharged from said vane means.

2. In an apparatus of the character described,

including a casing having blower means of the centriiugal type disposed therein, anv inlet formed in said casing, guide vane means disposed roximate said; inlet and adapted to' direct air intaken within said opening in a direction concurrent with the direction of rotation of said blower means, an adjustable bafile posi tioned proximate the discharge end of said vane means and provided with a flange-like extension adapted to initiate rotary circulation within said casing of air discharged from said vane means, a second air inlet opening formed in said casing and bafile' means in combination with said second inlet opening for initiating rotary circulation within said casing of air introduced through said second inlet opening, said first-mentioned baflle means and said second-mentioned bafiie means being adapted variably to control the proportions of air introduced within said casing while insuring the maintenance of rotary circulation of air within the casing regardless of variations in the proportions of air introduced through the different inlet openings.

3-. man apparatus of the character described, including a casing having blower means of the centrifugal type disposed therein, an air inlet formed in said casing, guide vane means disposed proximate said inlet opening and adapted to direct'air intaken within said opening in a direction concurrent with the direction of rotation of said blower means, an adjustable baflie positioned proximate the .discharge end of said vane means and adapted to initiate rotary circulation within said casing of. air discharged from said vane means, a second air inlet opening formed in said casing and baffle means in combination with said second inlet opening for-initiating rotary circulation within said casing of air introduced through said second inlet opening, said firstmentioned baffle means and said second-mentioned baflie means being adapted variably to control the proportions of air introduced within said casing while, insuring the maintenance of rotary circulation of air within the casing regard-. less of variations in the proportions of air introduced through the different inlet openings.

- 4. In an apparatus of the character described, including a casing having blower means of the centrifugal type disposed therein, an air'inlet formed in said casing, guide vane means disposed proximate said inlet opening and adapted to direct' air intaken within said opening in a direc-- tion concurrent with the direction of rotation of said blower means, an adjustable baflie positioned lation within saidcasing of air introduced through said second inlet opening, said iirstmentioned. bame means and said second-mentioned baflie means being adapted variably to control the proportions of air introduced within said casing while insuring the maintenance of rotary circulation of air within the casing regardless of variations in the proportions of air introduced through the different inlet openings, said first and second air inlet openings being formed in diflerent parts of said casing and being ar ranged todeliver air within said casing. indifferent directions SAM F. SHAWHAN. 

